Addressing a gathering at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters in Bengaluru, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled an intriguing facet of India’s lunar exploits. He declared that the Chandrayaan-3 lander made contact with the lunar surface would be christened “Shiv Shakti.” However, this announcement has stirred a debate on the jurisdiction and prerogative of naming points on the Moon, prompting considerations about the broader implications.
The Moon and International Law
- Somnath, the Chief of ISRO, subsequently reinforced the naming decision, asserting that India possesses the right to bestow names upon lunar sites. This assertion initiates a broader discussion concerning the naming of geographical features on celestial bodies. The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs had addressed this in its Outer Space Treaty of 1966, stating that outer space, including the Moon, cannot be subject to national appropriation or sovereignty claims.
India’s Lunar Naming Legacy
This instance isn’t the first of its kind. India has previously left its imprint on the lunar landscape. Notably, a crater on the Moon was christened the “Sarabhai crater,” paying homage to the pioneering space scientist Vikram Sarabhai. Furthermore, after the Chandrayaan-1 mission in 2008, a site where the probe intentionally impacted the lunar surface was dubbed “Jawahar Sthal,” in honor of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. This informal name was later endorsed by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), granting it official recognition.
IAU: The Authority on Celestial Nomenclature
- International Astronomical Union’s Role: The International Astronomical Union (IAU), founded in 1919, holds the principal responsibility for authoritatively naming celestial bodies and their surface features. Notably, India stands among the 92 member countries of the IAU. The organization’s mission extends beyond nomenclature, encompassing the advancement of astronomy through international cooperation.
- Formal and Informal Nomenclature: The lunar naming process typically involves both formal and informal stages. While the IAU ultimately grants official designations, many lunar features initially acquire informal monikers. During the Apollo missions, informal names were attributed to landmarks near landing sites, often later validated by the IAU.
Factors Influencing Lunar Nomenclature
- Historical, Cultural, and Scientific References: Names for lunar features are inspired by historical figures, scientists, astronauts, and cultural allusions. Craters often bear names of renowned scientists and explorers, reflecting the spirit of human exploration and knowledge acquisition.
- Role of Space Agencies: Both national and international space agencies like NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) contribute to the nomenclature process. Notably, they may propose names for sites with notable historical or scientific significance.
IAU’s Naming Criteria and Process
- IAU’s Working Groups: Working Groups within the IAU, comprising planetary science and lunar geology experts, play a pivotal role in suggesting and reviewing names for lunar features. These proposals undergo a review process and, if approved, become part of the IAU’s official nomenclature.
- IAU Naming Norms: The IAU sets forth guidelines for naming celestial bodies, advocating for clear, simple, and unambiguous names. These names should avoid political, military, or religious connotations, while individuals commemorated on planetary objects must have been deceased for at least three years before consideration.
UPSC Mains Questions
- How does the tension between national sovereignty and the non-appropriation principle of celestial bodies impact the naming of geographical features on the Moon?
- In a rapidly evolving space landscape with commercial entities and international collaborations, how could the IAU’s role in naming celestial bodies adapt to address new challenges?
